A Virginia-based Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contractor faces serious consequences after admitting to years of covert activities on behalf of the Iranian government.

According to Fox News, Abouzar Rahmati, 42, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to acting as an unregistered agent of Iran while working as an FAA contractor between 2017 and 2024, during which time he shared sensitive information about U.S. airports and energy infrastructure.

The Department of Justice revealed that Rahmati, a naturalized U.S. citizen residing in Great Falls, Virginia, maintained connections with Iranian intelligence operatives and government officials throughout his employment with the FAA.

His activities included multiple trips to Iran, where he met with intelligence officers and shared critical information about American infrastructure.

Former IRGC Officer's Systematic Information Gathering

Rahmati's background as a former first lieutenant in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from June 2009 to May 2010 adds significant context to his activities.

The IRGC, currently designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, served as a foundation for his later espionage work. His systematic approach to gathering information demonstrated careful planning and execution over several years.

In August 2017, Rahmati initiated contact with Iranian officials through a former colleague who held a senior position in Iran's government. This connection proved crucial in establishing his role as an agent for Iranian interests. His first significant meeting with Iranian intelligence operatives occurred just four months later, setting the stage for years of covert activities.

The scope of Rahmati's information gathering expanded beyond his immediate access as an FAA contractor. He actively collected and transmitted data about the U.S. solar energy industry, demonstrating Iran's interest in multiple sectors of American infrastructure.

Massive Data Breach Threatens National Security

During his tenure as an FAA contractor, Rahmati amassed an extraordinary volume of sensitive information.

His activities resulted in the unauthorized download of 175 gigabytes of files containing critical data about the National Aerospace System, airport surveillance radar systems, and radio frequency information.

The transportation of these files to Iran in April 2022 represented a significant breach of national security protocols. Rahmati's method of using removable media to transfer the data demonstrated deliberate circumvention of security measures designed to protect sensitive information.

His collaboration with family members in Iran further complicated the intelligence transfer network. By utilizing his brother as an intermediary, Rahmati established additional channels for conveying sensitive information about U.S. infrastructure to Iranian officials.

Legal Consequences and Sentencing Timeline

The legal implications of Rahmati's actions are substantial, reflecting the severity of his offenses against national security.

Federal prosecutors have outlined specific charges that carry significant prison terms. The maximum sentence for acting as an agent of a foreign government reaches 10 years, while the conspiracy charge could add another five years.

The Justice Department's successful prosecution of this case represents a significant victory in countering foreign intelligence operations within sensitive U.S. government contractors. The guilty plea eliminates the need for a lengthy trial while ensuring accountability for the security breach.

The scheduled sentencing date of August 26 will determine the final consequences of Rahmati's actions. The court's decision will likely consider both the extent of his cooperation with authorities and the potential damage to national security caused by his activities.

Case Summary and Future Implications

Abouzar Rahmati's admission of guilt marks the culmination of a complex espionage operation that compromised sensitive information about U.S. aviation and energy infrastructure. His role as an FAA contractor provided access to critical systems, which he exploited to benefit Iranian intelligence interests.

The case highlights ongoing challenges in protecting sensitive infrastructure information from foreign intelligence operations. The investigation and prosecution demonstrate the U.S. government's commitment to identifying and neutralizing threats to national security, particularly those originating from within trusted contractor positions.